2019 Top Markets for Homebuyers

January 2, 2019Cody Horvat

Share this Article

Where you live is a very personal decision — some people want to be close to family and friends, while others want a short commute or walkability to shops and restaurants. Affordability and schools also play a key factor in where people ultimately purchase a home.

With home prices and mortgage rates forecasted to rise and not very many choices available for buyers, those who want to close in 2019 have to weigh their options when it comes to selecting a home that’s right for them.

But realtor.com is here to help you. In addition to our extensive listings, you’ll find an easy to use mortgage calculator ready to show you how much home you can afford, nearby school ratings powered by Greatschools.org, and neighborhood guides that allow you to explore the public transportation, as well as nearby grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, gas stations, and pharmacies — all powered by Yelp.

The home buying process can be daunting, but realtor.com is here to guide you through each step along the way, while making your home purchases as easy (and fun) as possible. That includes knowing where to buy.

Our team of economists has its pulse on the market, continually tracking where home prices are going, how many homes will be for sale, and how quickly they will sell. Based on their analysis, each year they select realtor.com’s Top 10 Markets.

Although these markets are all quite different and span the U.S., those making the 2019 list have a few things in common. They are hotbeds for job growth, home to a large numbers of millennials, and are seeing a lot of new construction. This year’s list includes:

Realtor.com’s 2019 Top 10 Markets

So let’s dive in and take a closer look at what makes these markets so special…

#1 Lakeland, Fla.

Lakeland is ideal for young families who want the job market, restaurants, and nightlife of a city, but still want a decent-sized home with plenty of space for the kids to play. The median forecasted price for a home is $161,757, roughly $100,000 cheaper than the national median for a home. Residents of Lakeland don’t have to worry about private school tuition thanks to the area’s strong public schools such as Highlands Grove Elementary and Valley View Elementary which both scored 8/10 on greatschools.org. Residents of Lakeland can find cute three bedroom homes such as 2718 W Campbell Rd., all for under $200,000.

So, if you’re ready to call the Sunshine state your home make sure to jump onto realtor.com to find all the tools you’ll need, including our affordability calculator, to turn your dream into a reality. Well, we should say, an affordable reality.

#2 Grand Rapids, Mich.

Grand Rapids, Mich. is also commonly referred to as Beer City, USA, because of the plethora of micro breweries that call the area home. This vibrant community hosts some of the state’s top schools, with 11 schools in Grand Rapids rated 8/10 or higher on greatschools.org, making it an ideal spot to raise a family. Grand Rapids is also home to the renowned Frederik Meijer Gardens and attractions like the Annual ArtPrize, which make it all the more appealing. Grand Rapids remains one of the more affordable metros on the list with a median forecasted home price of $187,319, which makes it nearly $75,000 more affordable than the national median of $260,290. With that sort of savings, you could find yourself in a charming three bedroom with original hardwood floors such as 2046 College Ave SE, and still have money for renovations or even a winter vacation.

With homes selling in a blistering 52 days, make sure to hop on over to realtor.com to get pre-approved for a mortgage. That way you’ll be sitting in your new home tasting some of the area’s best brews instead of missing out on your dream home.

#3 El Paso, Texas

El Paso, Texas is a melting pot of American and Mexican culture, with restaurants that serve authentic Mexican dishes, Texas barbeque, and sometimes even both. Hueco Tanks State Park draws thousand of rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts to the area every year for the great bouldering and hiking that is accessible nearly year round because of the warm weather. Similar to many of 2019’s top markets, El Paso is home to a strong school system with 26 schools ranking 8/10 or higher on greatschools.org. El Paso stands out from the other top markets on the list with the most affordable forecasted home price of $149,643 — that’s roughly $110,000 cheaper than the national median.

As you’ll see in our local neighborhood guide, El Paso offers amazing dining, boutique coffee shops, and more, all with an affordable forecasted median home price under $150,000. So when you’re out trying the area’s local delicacies, don’t forget to pick up your sunscreen, because for $155,000 you could find yourself not only with an upgraded kitchen in 822 Derrickson Dr., but also your own heated pool.

#4 Chattanooga, Tenn.

Chattanooga, Tenn. is home to a lively nightlife scene, replete with a wide variety of bars and restaurants, as well as easy access to the mountains and lakes for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. While Chattanooga continues to elevate its status with an expanding downtown and cultural amenities such as the Chattanooga Film Festival, the area still holds tight to its small town roots with weekly farmer’s markets and large network of small mom-and-pop shops.

It’s not difficult to see why this area is appealing to so many people, but with over 40 neighborhoods in Chattanooga to choose from, make sure you use realtor.com’s local neighborhood guides to find the right neighborhood you and your family to put down roots. Chattanooga is home to the second most affordable homes on 2019’s Top Markets lists, with a forecasted median home price of $161,595, but that doesn’t mean affordable can’t also be cozy, such as this beautiful newly constructed home at 706 Woodmore Ln, located within in the Brainerd neighborhood.

#5 Phoenix, Ariz.

Known as the Valley of the Sun, this multi-city metro area is a hub for luxury spa resorts, high end golf courses designed by none other than Jack Nicklaus, and a thriving nightlife replete with bars and nightclubs. The constant sunshine and high quality of life make this Phoenix, Ariz. especially attractive to retirees, while young professionals are drawn to the area’s thriving job market, where employment growth is forecasted to be twice that of the national average. Phoenix is slightly more expensive than the nation with a forecasted median home price of $267,318, but can you really put a price tag on nearly 300 days of sunshine a year? Probably not when you’re living at this recently remodeled mountain-view home at 1825 W Mission Ln, with your own pool.

For young couples who want to raise a family near one of Phoenix’s 29 schools that ranked 8/10 or higher on greatschools.org, make sure to use realtor.com’s school search feature which allows you search homes for sale within a specific school’s boundaries.

#6 Bridgeport, Conn.

Bridgeport, Conn., which is the largest city in Connecticut, is located at the mouth of the Pequonnock River, and 50 miles northeast of New York City. It’s home prices are the second highest on the list, with a forecasted median home price of $385,790, but this is nullified by the higher wages the area receives — especially for those willing to make the commute into New York City. This area is popular with established professionals and families who prefer a quiet community away from the fast-paced city life. For $380,000 you could call this spacious four bedroom at 169 Old Battery Rd your new home.

#7 Las Vegas, Nev.

If you’re a fan of sunshine, unparalleled dining, entertainment and shopping experiences, and not paying state income taxes, then you might want to take a roll of the dice and check out living in the desert metropolis of Las Vegas. This area boasts a vibrant and active community that goes far beyond the bright lights of the strip. Las Vegas is home to a ton of parks, hiking trails, rock climbing, and golf courses, making it a great place for those who enjoy spending their time outdoors.

Similar to Bridgeport, Las Vegas has home prices higher than the rest of the list, with a median forecasted home price of $277,574, however, higher incomes and no state income tax help to make this area more affordable. So if you’re ready to call Vegas home, check out this sunny three bedroom at 5740 Baronese St, It should also be mentioned that Las Vegas is no stranger to this list — the area came in first place last year and continued its hot streak by placing within the top 10 this year.

#8 Boise City, Idaho

Boise, Idaho has once again graced one of realtor.com’s lists, this time taking over the number eight spot on our 2019 Top Markets list. Boise offers residents a high quality of life with the many amenities that can be expected from living close to a metropolitan area that is teeming employment opportunities, diverse dining, high-end shopping, and entertainment, while still maintaining easy access to the wilderness and outdoors. Boises’ historic housing and tree lined streets are equally appealing to both young couples and establish families, and with a forecasted median home value of $258,303, it is still just under the national median. If you’re ready to take a daily stroll along the Boise River then 4855 W Mystic Cove Way, just might be calling your name, and for just $255,000.

#9 Miami, Fla.

The white sand beaches of Miami are home to a diverse community of celebrities, retirees, young families, and established professionals, that all enjoy the area’s sunny perks. Miami’s Cuban influence can be seen all over the city, from its cafes and cigar shops, to the colorful streets of Little Havana. Homes in Miami will sell on average about the same as the national median, with a forecasted median home price of $266,586. Similar to Lakeland, Fla., Miami has a strong draw on snowbirds from northern states hoping to escape the harsh winter weather. So don’t wait too long to pick up your dream home, because Miami stands out from the rest of the list with 152,000 projected home sales in 2019, more than any other metro on the list. If your idea of relaxing is a great view of the sunset on your wraparound porch check out 4000 NE 170th St Apt 400, because it’s not going to last long!

#10 Boston, Mass.

Often considered the intellectual and historical capital of the United States, Boston boasts a walkable downtown area that is blanketed with historical sites including the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall marketplace, Boston Common, and Beacon Hill. Additionally, the area is home to many of the nation’s most premier colleges including Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Boston College, making it a great area for young buyers. In fact, millennials are projected to take out over 40 percent of Boston’s mortgages in 2019. That’s impressive for the young generation considering that Boston has the most expensive homes on this year’s list, with a forecasted median home price of $496,710. For $485,000 this contemporary two-bedroom with exposed brick at 68 Telegraph St Apt 1, could be your new hip Boston pad.

So if you’re one of the area’s many projected first-time home buyers, feel confident that you’ve properly prepared for your home search using one of realtor.com’s First-Time Home Buyer Resources.

Tools to Get the Job Done

While 2019 is forecasted to be another difficult year for homebuyers due to rising mortgage rates and home prices, there are still plenty of affordable dream homes itching to be picked up. And lucky for you, realtor.com is your one-stop-shop for all the necessary tools and guides you’ll need to confidently make your purchase, including: professional insights on buying, selling, financing, moving, and home improvement, mortgage and refinancing calculators, detailed local neighbor guides, school search filters, and even the option to reach out to real estate agents via text messaging. Realtor.com is constantly striving to make the home buying process one that is easy, fun, and ends with you finding your dream home.